Bar Soap Opinions

[Deuce22]

Since I jumped into the deep-end last week switching to DE shaving I've been thinking about my other "den" habits and am looking to make some more switches.

For this post, my question is about bar soaps...

I haven't used one in a LONG time. I've been reluctantly relying on Axe, Old Spice, and currently Irish Spring body washes.

I'm looking to make a switch to something less detergent based and I believe in supporting small businesses.

As a new member, I look forward to learning a lot from the debate of preference to ensue.

Thanks!

[Mooncalf]

I have always used soap or detergent in solid bar format. Never did buy into the liquid body wash stuff. I found the overall cost for bodywash was much higher than bar soaps.

Although now my shaving hobby has extended here too, I find I'm seeking out the more expensive bars, negating any financial benefits compared to bodywashes. :blushing:

My favourite brand so far is Imperial Leather. It lasts a good long time, and has a great spicy scent (though some might consider it heavy). There's a British goods store around the corner from me whom carries it, but be prepared to pay - It's often cheaper mail ordered direct from UK.

[DFrancis]

Mitchell's wool fat, who makes an excellent shaving soap, also makes bar soap that is also tallow and lanolin. I picked some up with a recent order and I have to say it is a very good soap, made with tallow and lanolin just like the shave soap.

[Lusitano]

Dr. Bronner's Magical Soaps are great and pure. Hugo Naturals soaps are also great. You can buy them at iherb.com, and have a $5 discount in your first purchase by entering the IRO586 coupon code.

[Kevan]

Mysore Sandal Soap.

It's exactly what it sounds: sandalwood mixed with soap. I love it.

[WhiteKnight]

I'm currently using (and loving) Bronnley's lemon soap. Very nice summer scent.

[c0ry]

Mitchell's wool fat, who makes an excellent shaving soap, also makes bar soap that is also tallow and lanolin. I picked some up with a recent order and I have to say it is a very good soap, made with tallow and lanolin just like the shave soap.

+1. Mitchell's Wool Fat bath soap is good stuff.

I also like Yardley's bath soaps, which are available in most supermarkets, and in some Dollar Trees. They have a tallow version and an "all natural" vegetable based one. Both are good.

[dpm802]

I currently alternate between Burt's Bees Men's Line soap and Out of Africa's Black soap.

Burt's has a nice citrusy scent that is great for summer weather. OoA's Black soap is 20% Shea Butter, and lathers up rich and creamy.

Other key ingredients are an Ayate cloth and a loofah sponge.

[DrColossus11]

+1 Dr. Bronners, I use the unscented baby mild.

Also check out: Dial Basics, Palmolive, any of the Out of Africa, Kiss My Face.

[c0ry]

I currently alternate between Burt's Bees Men's Line soap and Out of Africa's Black soap.

Burt's has a nice citrusy scent that is great for summer weather. OoA's Black soap is 20% Shea Butter, and lathers up rich and creamy.

Other key ingredients are an Ayate cloth and a loofah sponge.

Yes! This is something I forgot to mention. Using a mesh loofah with a bar of soap is an excellent combo for an exfoliating and moisturizing shower. I just rub the loofah onto the bar for about 10-20 seconds and it gives enough creamy lather for the whole shower. This is what made using bar soaps worth it for me.

[Sabre]

Go to your local health food store or drugstore/parfumerie and just try the natural soaps, from here you can acquire another AD other than razors, blades, brushes, creams, shaving soaps, after shaves and maybe colognes :w00t:.

[Loric]

Mama Bear makes some fine body soaps (http://mamabearssoaps.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4). If your a coffee person the mocha is out of this world.

[dklaiman]

Vannacream. I get it at Target. It's a cheaper, more moisturizing version of Dove.

[Hex]

Mitchell's wool fat, who makes an excellent shaving soap, also makes bar soap that is also tallow and lanolin. I picked some up with a recent order and I have to say it is a very good soap, made with tallow and lanolin just like the shave soap.

+1

I did the same when I ordered the shave soap.

I like it a lot and plan to give some bars as Christmas presents to those of my family and friends that appreciate "Old Style" stuff.

[my19]

+1 for the Yardley soaps. You can find them at supermarkets like Kroger's ... and places like Dollar Tree have 'em for a buck. Love that tallowy goodness ...

Another option: I recently ordered some shampoo bars from Chagrin Valley Soaps -- http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/ -- and based on the performance of the shampoo bars, I'll bet the soaps are terrific. Not inexpensive, but big bars and all natural.

[Telecaster52]

+1 on the palmolive bars, 3/$1 at most dollar depot-style stores. Nice clean classic scent too :thumbup:

[alvinnjoinerIV]

i like yardley and dial soaps myself.

[xillion]

Speick and Valobra bath soaps are two of my favorites.

[Mr. Imperial]

I recently switched back to bar soaps as well. My two faves so far are South of France and Pre de Provence. Go for the good triple-milled stuff :thumbsup:

[Barbarian]

Grandpa's Wonder Pine Tar Soap. Smell is unique, but soap is awesome.

Their Witch Hazel Soap is spectacular too. And the scent is great.

[Deuce22]

Thanks for the thoughts folks, I really appreciate it.

I'm keeping a running list, I look forward to more options!

[Ticman]

+1 for South of France soap. Tremendous selection of scents at Whole Foods but also readily available elsewhere. Huge bar. Bought Verbena for $5.99 in May and use it daily and still have a month's worth left. Great creamy suds with super fragrance.

[closer]

Trader Joe's has an oatmeal/honey soap, 8oz for $1.49. They also have French triple milled soaps, 7oz for $3.49 - I've seen lavender, tea tree, and lemon verbena. The lavender is my favorite.

[mdevine]

I bought my wife several bars of Mama Bears soap the last time I ordered shave soap there. My mother-in-law confiscated the Rosemary-Peppermint and my wife loves the Jasmine Nights. I am getting ready to order more any day now. It is clearly a step up from what I have been able to find locally.

[a_bit_crafty]

I use Frost Fish Cove soaps (http://www.frostfishcovesoaps.com/). Lots of different scents, mostly all natural, and smell just fantastic. She also has an option to order a custom set if you want something very specific. Nice customer service, too. We've been ordering from her for a few years now.

[kingfisher]

If you like to support the smaller businesses, how about considering:

Queen Charlotte soaps or Mystic Water soaps? Both are made by forum members. I think Colleen at The Gentleman's Quarter also sells bath soaps, and Sue at Mama Bear has already been mentioned in this thread.

[Bluebeard]

Vannacream. I get it at Target. It's a cheaper, more moisturizing version of Dove.

Never seen that. May need to pick some up.

[johsa]

If you are not on a budget, Nesti Danti makes some nice soaps.

[J2010]

+1 on Dr. Bronner's.

Also, Pacifica makes some really nice glycerin soaps in a number of fragrances.

[Bluebeard]

I currently alternate between Burt's Bees Men's Line soap and Out of Africa's Black soap.

Burt's has a nice citrusy scent that is great for summer weather. OoA's Black soap is 20% Shea Butter, and lathers up rich and creamy.

Other key ingredients are an Ayate cloth and a loofah sponge.

+1
I may have to pick up an Ayate cloth, I've been hearing about them lately.

[MikeLip]

Mysore Sandal Soap.

It's exactly what it sounds: sandalwood mixed with soap. I love it.

Mysore smells like heaven! Sadly it triggers migraines for me and I have two unopened bars of it laying idle. My top favorite bar soap is Speick. The bodywash/shampoo is awesome too and I take it everywhere when I travel longer than overnight.

[The Seeker]

I've been using and enjoying Wright's Coal Tar soap lately. It no longer contains actual coal tar (just the fragrance) but has tea tree oil for its antiseptic properties. Most importantly in my book, it's tallow-based so produces a rich, creamy lather and leaves the skin feeling clean but not dry.

http://imgur.com/DhXM0.jpg

[aimsport]

Kirks Original Coco Castile (http://www.kirksnatural.com/barsoap.html)

[jstutman]

+1 for the Yardley soaps. You can find them at supermarkets like Kroger's ... and places like Dollar Tree have 'em for a buck. Love that tallowy goodness ...

Another option: I recently ordered some shampoo bars from Chagrin Valley Soaps -- http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/ -- and based on the performance of the shampoo bars, I'll bet the soaps are terrific. Not inexpensive, but big bars and all natural.

I went to DG yesterday to try this Yardley. It is amazing, especially for $1 a bar.

Plan on ordering some soap/shampoo bars but there is like 3458057890572 small mom and pops who offer this. I cant decide :P

[rnfuller]

+1 on the Wrights. My son sends it to me from London. I have been amazed at how long English soaps like Wrights and Imperial Leather last. I used to use Zest or Irish Spring, and it seemed that a bar would only last a week or two. I can get months and months out of Wrights or Imperial Leather.

Love the wake-up smell of the Wrights:tongue_sm, Man, I need to go shower
:001_rolle



[QUOTE=The Seeker;2384442]I've been using and enjoying Wright's Coal Tar soap lately. It no longer contains actual coal tar (just the fragrance) but has tea tree oil for its antiseptic properties. Most importantly in my book, it's tallow-based so produces a rich, creamy lather and leaves the skin feeling clean but not dry.

[daleroller]

I just bought 28 bars of caswell-massey Almond and Sandalwood bathsoaps for $28 today at TJ Maxx. They smell great and are triple milled soaps. The regular price on the box says they are supposed to be $8 a bar.
I am going to more TJ Maxx stores in the area to stock up on this stuff.
http://www.caswellmassey.com/sandalwood-woodgrain-soap-gift-set.aspx?DepartmentId=41

[tomshort]

Mitchell's wool fat, who makes an excellent shaving soap, also makes bar soap that is also tallow and lanolin. I picked some up with a recent order and I have to say it is a very good soap, made with tallow and lanolin just like the shave soap.

just bought the MWF soap from WWW. Haven't tried it out yet . REminds me of IVORY

[mdevine]

I just bought 28 bars of caswell-massey Almond and Sandalwood bathsoaps for $28 today at TJ Maxx. They smell great and are triple milled soaps. The regular price on the box says they are supposed to be $8 a bar.
I am going to more TJ Maxx stores in the area to stock up on this stuff.
http://www.caswellmassey.com/sandalwood-woodgrain-soap-gift-set.aspx?DepartmentId=41

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to see if the one near me stocks this.

[geneaut]

Yardley Lavender
Yardley Oatmeal
Dr Bronner's Peppermint
Zum Bar Goats Milk Rosemary Mint

[Sue]

Most comercially made bars will say 'Beauty Bar', Moisture Bar. Cleansing Bar or something similar. These are not true SOAP. If it doesn't specifically say "Soap" it is detergent.
Sue

[craig87c]

Grandpa's Wonder Pine Tar Soap. Smell is unique, but soap is awesome.

Their Witch Hazel Soap is spectacular too. And the scent is great.

The Witch Hazel soap smelled a bit funky after a week, but it worked great.

[daleroller]

I just bought 20 more bars of the Caswell Massey Almond Cold Cream soap this weekend. I should be clean for a little while. I am wondering if it is good for shaving.:001_huh:

[fifolo]

Dr. Bronner's liquid peppermint soap, so refreshing these hot and humid days.

[luvmysuper]

Mysore Sandal Soap.

It's exactly what it sounds: sandalwood mixed with soap. I love it.

+2

Great stuff
.
.

[SkipH]

Grandma's Lye soap.

[livingontheedge]

I just bought 20 more bars of the Caswell Massey Almond Cold Cream soap this weekend. I should be clean for a little while. I am wondering if it is good for shaving.:001_huh:

From what I've read even thier shaving soap is no good for shaving

[nav]

Most comercially made bars will say 'Beauty Bar', Moisture Bar. Cleansing Bar or something similar. These are not true SOAP. If it doesn't specifically say "Soap" it is detergent.
Sue

I like that Dove bars have 25% moisturising but hate the fact they are not real soap but for some strange reason it is the only soap that wont dry my skin out.

I have tried many artisan body soaps and commercial bars and recently tried Nubian Heritage soaps which smell fantastic and are supposed to be packed full of oils and butters but Dove just seems to be the one for me.

[eyebright]

you've got some great soapmakers in oz...try patti flynn's soap: she lives in north queensland and sells on etsy. she is a master of her craft.

[adaumus]

+1 on Dr. Bronner's. Get the peppermint soap. It leaves you feel refreshed and awake for sure. Also, trader joe's carries a green tea soap made by Bisous Provence that smells amazing and is cheap. Just look in there shampoo/toiletry area!!

[hdorne]

Dr. Bronner's - the peppermint is fantastic in the summer months
Whole Foods - I love their vetiver/cedar bar in the winter
Mistral Pour Homme - pricey, but the Sandalwood/Bamboo is intoxicating
Nancy Boy - impossible to go wrong with the signature scent
Trader Joe's - their big triple-milled bars are very inexpensive and perform well

[xriley]

L'Occitane makes nice bath soaps. The Vetyver and Eau de Baux are both really really luxurious.

[sanuginz]

Nesti Dante is nice tho pricey.

[TreeHugger]

Best I've tried so far is Dove Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin (Unscented).

http://www.amazon.com/Dove-Beauty-Bar-Sensitive-Skin/dp/B000MQPUFM

[LeGaulois]

Daynà Soap

Indian Ayurvedic Hair&Body Transparent Soap

A pure Ayurvedic recipe
Prevents skin and scalp irritations and infections
Nourishes and protects
Cleans the skin and hair without altering their nature

Composition :

Based on Coconut, Castor and Palm oil, this detergent-free soap, lightly perfumed, is adapted to clean skin and hair.
Combined with Neem bark (antiseptic and disinfectant virtues), its unique composition is adapted to everyday-use.

http://dayna.fr/web/english/home.html

[dmnall]

+1 on Dr Bronners and +1 to Kirks Castile Soap! Actually I can say for the best price performance, the Kirks Castile bar soap performs just as well as Dr Bronners for 1/4 the price. I like the the Bronners Liquid *peppermint, Almond and Tea Tree* but the Bar soap Eucalyptus is good but at $ 4 for a bar, I can get the Kirks Castile for $ 3 for 3 bars...

HTH,
Charlie